3546. GOVERNMENT, Recognition of.—[continued].
You express a wish * * *
to be generally advised as to the tenor of your
conduct in consequence of the late revolution
in France. * * * We certainly cannot
deny to other nations that principle
whereon our government is founded, that
every nation has a right to govern itself internally
under what forms it pleases, and to
change these forms at its own will; and externally
to transact business with other nations
through whatever organ it chooses,
whether that be a king, convention, assembly,
committee, president, or whatever it be.
The only thing essential is, the will of the
nation. Taking this as your polar star, you
can hardly err.—
To Thomas Pinckney. Washington ed. iii, 500.
(Pa.,
Dec. 1792)
